Jack Black is a keeper of many titles: actor, comedian, singer, voice of animated bear, surrogate father to real bear.
Really, how many Hollywood stars can declare that last designation?
On a chilly morning in February, though, Black appeared at Zoo Atlanta for the public unveiling of the name of the baby panda born on-site three months prior.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the black and white fuzzball was christened “Po,” after Black’s cartoon panda in “Kung Fu Panda.”
“I didn’t know [what we’d name him] until I got there and I saw it in his eyes. Before, I thought I’d name him Jahozafat. But then, I looked in his eyes and I named him Po. Weirdly, it ended up promoting the movie,” Black said with a chuckle when calling recently from Los Angeles.
Fans of Po, the movie star, recall that in 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda,” the bulbous bear-turned-hero mastered kung fu despite his less-than-athletic form and became the awe-inspiring Dragon Warrior.
Considering the movie’s $631 million-plus worldwide haul, a sequel was inevitable.
On Thursday, “Kung Fu Panda 2” arrives, again featuring Black’s voice in the title role, as well as Angelina Jolie as the hardened-yet-softening Tigress, Dustin Hoffman as the Yoda-like Shifu and, joining the cast, Gary Oldman as the peacock villain Lord Shen.
The movie, while still firmly aimed at youngsters, delves into the pensive topics of fate and adoption, which will likely maintain the attention of parents while simultaneously giving older kids something to chew on.
During his call from Los Angeles, a lighthearted Black, 41, discussed the uptick in the sadness quotient in the “Kung Fu” sequel, as well as the lesson he learned the last time he visited his favorite Atlanta eatery.
Q: The movie has a heavier theme than its predecessor. What did you think when you first saw the script?
A: I didn't see a script. That isn't the DreamWorks way. But I was told the basic story structure and the idea of the villain and that Po would be struggling with his 'real' parents, so I knew it was going to get heavy. But I was psyched. I think it's cool to wrestle with some deeper themes to go along with the comedy and the action. I'm glad we didn't shy away from it. But even if you look back at some of the classic Disney features, they always dealt with heavy themes, like Bambi and the dying mother. It's heavy stuff, but when it's done right, it works.
Q: Have your kids seen it yet? [Black has two sons, Sam, who turns 5 next month, and Thomas, who turns 3 Monday.]
A: They haven't. But I'm going to host a screening for Sam's class. [DreamWorks Animation CEO] Jeffrey [Katzenberg] offered it up, so I'm taking him up on it.
Q: How much of your personality do you bring to Po?
A: I put it all in there. If you don't like Po, then you just don't like me. It's very personal to me. I don't hold anything back.
Q: Was motion capture used at all?
A: No, no 'mo cap.' But they videotaped all of the recordings in the studio so the animators could use them if they wanted to.
Q: With 3-D becoming more of a trend than an enhancement, how do you feel about this movie being in 3-D?
A: I was excited about it. This is the kind of movie that can really benefit from 3-D. You wouldn't need to see, like, a documentary in 3-D, with just people talking. But when you have incredible fight scenes and vast sweeping landscapes, it can add another dimension [laughs].
Q: This movie pretty handily sets up a third installment. Have you heard anything about that yet?
A: I know Jeff wants to do another one. I'm not a big fan of counting my chickens. I've always said that I love doing 'Kung Fu Panda' and want to do it as long as there is excitement from the audience, so we'll see how it goes.
Q: Do you have any plans for a follow-up visit at the zoo?
A: I love Atlanta; I always love coming back to visit. I played with my band [Tenacious D] a couple of times there and had a delicious meal at Fat Matt's. My only regret [in February] was I didn't have time for a Fat Matt's stop because the last time I went, I got the half rack of ribs instead of the combo. My partner in Tenacious D got the quarter slab and quarter chicken combo. Remember that lesson — quarter/quarter.
Q: So ... does that mean you'll be back to visit Po?
A: I have no immediate plans for a follow-up visit, but I feel like it's my responsibility. I am his father. That bear needs my love and attention, although I am scared to cuddle him now. There's some actual danger to cuddling! I'm going to have to get into a protective bear suit, but rest assured, I will be performing my duties as a father. We're going to throw the ball and do all the things that a dad does.
About the Author
